Historicity of the Neronian Persecution: Ancient Sources and Modern Hypotheses

This thesis deals with the question of historicity of the Neronian persecution, which supposedly occurred in 64 CE as a result of the Great fire of Rome. Its historicity, which was traditionally accepted by historians, was recently challenged by Brent Shaw. Christopher Jones subsequently responded to his criticism and disagreed with it. The thesis introduces all crucial sources - especially Tacitus, Suetonius and Clement of Rome. On the basis of their information and Shaw's and Jones' arguments it then takes a stand on the historicity of this persecution